Susan Templeman (Macquarie, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I present the 20th report of the Petitions Committee for the 47th Parliament.

The report read as follows—

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

PETITIONS COMMITTEE

REPORT No. 20

Petitions and Ministerial Responses

12 February 2024

MEMBERS OF THE COMMITTEE

Chair Ms Susan Templeman MP

Deputy Chair Mr Ross Vasta MP

Mr Sam Birrell MP

Ms Alison Byrnes MP

Ms Lisa Chesters MP

Mr Garth Hamilton MP

Ms Tracey Roberts MP

Ms Meryl Swanson MP

This committee is supported by staff of the Department of the House of Representatives

Report summarising the petitions and ministerial responses being presented.

The committee met in private session in the 47th Parliament on 15 November 2023, 29 November 2023, 18 January 2024 and 7 February 2024.

1. The committee resolved to present the following 90 petitions in accordance with standing order 207:

Petitions certified on 15 November 2023

From 16 petitioners—requesting the removal of barriers to industrial action from the Fair Work Act 2009 (EN5565)

From 355 petitioners—requesting the rejection of the World Health Organisation's new amendments to the International Health Regulations (EN5566)

From 43 petitioners—requesting that proposals to develop marine zones of the Illawarra into industrial zones be rejected (EN5568)

From 13 petitioners—regarding the development of a plasma fusion energy industry in Australia (EN5571)

From 78 petitioners—requesting an inquiry into journalistic practices at the ABC (EN5572)

From 23 petitioners—requesting legislation that would require the AEC to not publish demonstrably false information (EN5573)

From 32 petitioners—regarding Indigenous representation in Parliament

(EN5574)

From 10 petitioners—regarding the publication of electoral results prior to the closing of polling places (EN5575)

From 11 petitioners—requesting the integration of political education into the curriculum (EN5576)

From 81 petitioners—regarding the conflict in Gaza and requesting an inquiry into alleged human rights violations (EN5578)

From 22 petitioners—requesting a Royal Commission into all deaths of Indigenous peoples in rural and remote communities (EN5579)

From 51 petitioners—requesting the removal of the 10% GST on residential electricity (EN5580)

From 29 petitioners—requesting the introduction of a corporate windfall tax

(EN5581)

From 262 petitioners—regarding formal treaty negotiations with First Nations representatives (EN5582)

From 45 petitioners—regarding the processing of visas for Lebanese, Syrian and Palestinian applicants (EN5583)

From 24 petitioners—requesting that NAPLAN be cancelled (EN5584)

From 11 petitioners—requesting the reform of public interest immunity as it relates to commercial government decisions (EN5587)

From 63 petitioners—regarding the humanitarian situation in Gaza (EN5590)

From 53 petitioners—regarding Israel Defence Force actions in Gaza

(EN5591)

From 1523 petitioners—requesting changes to the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (EN5594)

From 5 petitioners—requesting an overhaul to the legal frameworks and conventions concerning nuclear technology (EN5595)

From 4 petitioners—requesting the development of a nuclear fusion industry in Australia (EN5596)

From 61 petitioners—regarding physical banking locations and a cashless society (EN5599)

From 32 petitioners—requesting support for a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas conflict (EN5600)

From 69 petitioners—requesting support for an immediate ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas conflict (EN5601)

From 263 petitioners—requesting the condemnation of Israeli aggression in occupied Palestine (EN5603)

From 38 petitioners—requesting that non-citizens and non-permanent residents receive equal access to healthcare (EN5604)

From 15 petitioners—requesting that seatbelts be mandated in buses Australia-wide (EN5606)

From 89 petitioners—requesting that lies in political advertising campaigns be outlawed (EN5609)

From 39 petitioners—regarding the resettlement of Palestinian orphans in Australia (EN5611)

From 2848 petitioners—requesting support for a targeted national skin check program (EN5615)

From 5 petitioners—requesting the development of a nuclear fusion industry in Australia (EN5619)

From 3 petitioners—requesting the development of a nuclear fusion industry in Australia (EN5620)

From 185795 petitioners—requesting support for a ceasefire in the Israel- Hamas conflict (EN5622)

From 3 petitioners—requesting the development of a nuclear fusion industry in Australia (EN5623)

From 8 petitioners—requesting the development of a nuclear fusion industry in Australia (EN5624)

From 79 petitioners—requesting the closure of the Israeli Embassy (EN5625)

From 44 petitioners—requesting that Australia support future proposals for humanitarian pauses in Gaza (EN5626)

From 10618 petitioners—requesting additional Paid Parental Leave entitlements for families with babies in specialised care (EN5627)

From 33118 petitioners—requesting support for a ceasefire in Gaza and the withdrawal of Australian support for the Israeli government (EN5628)

From 170 petitioners—requesting the return of the Australian Ambassador to Kyiv, Ukraine (EN5629)

From 16 petitioners—requesting a moratorium on any Australian military interventions in the Middle East (EN5630)

From 379 petitioners—regarding human right concerns and Australia's development partnership with Sri Lanka (EN5631)

From 255 petitioners—requesting support for an immediate ceasefire in the Israel-Gaza conflict (EN5632)

From 64 petitioners—requesting that Australia make representations to the International Criminal Court regarding Israeli and Hamas actions (EN5633)

From 483 petitioners—regarding the introduction of a National War Widows Day (EN5634)

From 18390 petitioners—requesting that the Prime Minister advise the Governor-General to call an early election (EN5636)

From 2049 petitioners—requesting support for an urgent ceasefire in Gaza and the expulsion of the Israeli ambassador (EN5639)

From 1552 petitioners—requesting that it be made illegal for businesses to not accept cash (EN5640)

From 184 petitioners—regarding religious tax exemptions (EN5643)

From 2068 petitioners—requesting a Royal Commission into Australia's immigration detention regime (EN5644)

From 15 petitioners—requesting that any legislation regarding a prominence framework for connected television devices be rejected (EN5646)

From 136 petitioners—regarding European emission standards for Australian vehicles (EN5647)

From 91 petitioners—requesting the upgrade of Melbourne-Sydney rail infrastructure (EN5648)

From 136 petitioners—requesting the redirection of subsidies for road transport toward the revitalisation of rail infrastructure (EN5653)

From 7663 petitioners—regarding support for a ceasefire in all world conflicts (EN5654)

From 1098 petitioners—regarding applications for permanent residency for Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa holders (EN5655)

Petitions certified on 29 November 2023

From 35 petitioners—requesting support for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza (EN5657)

From 3 petitioners—requesting amendment to the First Home Super Saver Scheme (EN5658)

From 20 petitioners—requesting the appointment of a federal Minister for Disability (EN5659)

From 3 petitioners—requesting the development of a nuclear fusion industry in Australia (EN5664)

From 54 petitioners—regarding a ceasefire and humanitarian assistance in Gaza (EN5665)

From 1 petitioner—requesting that Australians who reside overseas be able to vote in Australian elections (EN5666)

From 180 petitioners—requesting that any ongoing solar radiation management and geoengineering activities cease (EN5667)

From 8 petitioners—requesting the Government sign the Intergovernmental Declaration on Children, Youth and Climate Action (EN5668)

From 105 petitioners—regarding pathways to permanent residency under the Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa (EN5672)

From 3903 petitioners—requesting the removal of GST on exercise physiology services (EN5674)

From 2 petitioners—requesting the development of a nuclear fusion industry in Australia (EN5675)

From 5 petitioners—regarding closures of private maternity units across Australia (EN5676)

From 29 petitioners—regarding a cut to the fuel excise for a 12-month period (EN5678)

From 29 petitioners—requesting a Royal Commission into Centrelink's conduct when dealing with pensioners (EN5679)

From 3794 petitioners—requesting a moratorium on all renewable energy projects and infrastructure (EN5680)

From 28 petitioners—regarding the myGovID app replacing myGov for the ATO website (EN5681)

From 1 petitioner—requesting the development of a nuclear fusion industry in Australia (EN5683)

From 97 petitioners—requesting the recognition of a Palestinian state (EN5685)

From 28 petitioners—requesting the official recognition of the Armenian genocide (EN5686)

From 80 petitioners—requesting that whistle-blower protections be strengthened (EN5691)

From 832 petitioners—requesting support of a ceasefire in the Israel-Gaza conflict (EN5694)

From 59 petitioners—regarding permanent residency pathways for essential workers during the COVID-19 pandemic (EN5695)

From 165 petitioners—requesting that all MRI referrals from GPs be made bulk billable (EN5699)

From 165 petitioners—requesting the removal of GST from exercise physiology services (EN5701)

From 250 petitioners—regarding the conflict Gaza (EN5704)

From 12 petitioners—requesting the development of a nuclear fusion industry in Australia (EN5705)

From 18 petitioners—requesting an inquiry into misuse of microphone access by digital companies and applications (EN5706)

From 48 petitioners—requesting legislation to prevent the misuse of materials by artificial intelligence (EN5707)

Petitions certified on 18 January 2024

From 235 petitioners—requesting an investigation into the Anindilyakwa Land Council (PN0579)

From 63 petitioners—regarding the visa reinstatement of a long-term Australian resident (PN0587)

From 143 petitioners—requesting an audit of the Laura Johnson Home (PN0588)

Petitions certified on 7 February 2024

From 642 petitioners—requesting improved mobile phone coverage to the local area of Texas, Queensland, and surrounding suburbs (PN0589)

From 12872 petitioners—requesting an inquiry into the involvement of Australian citizens in IDF operations (PN0591)

2. The following 108 ministerial responses to petitions were received.

Ministerial responses received by the Committee on 18 January 2024

From the Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs to a petition regarding partner visas (EN4109)

From the Treasurer to a petition regarding reinstating JobKeeper for individuals receiving the Disaster Recovery Allowance (EN4125)

From the Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs to a petition regarding delayed processing times of Bridging B visa applications (EN4177)

From the Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs to a petition regarding the processing of Skilled Regional visas (EN4271)

From the Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs to a petition regarding the New Skilled Visas (Consequential Amendments) Bill 2019 (EN4400)

From the Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs to a petition regarding parent visas (EN4419)

From the Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs to a petition regarding government services eligibility and residential property acquisition for Skilled Work Regional visa holders (EN4433)

From the Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs to a petition regarding Skilled Work Regional visa holders' placements in regional areas (EN4448)

From the Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs to a petition requesting that political asylum be granted to Chinese students currently in Australia (EN4660)

From the Minister for the Environment and Water to a petition regarding the proposed Chalumbin Wind Farm development (EN4675)

From the Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs to a petition regarding Refugee and Humanitarian (Class XB) visa applications (EN4685)

From the Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs to a petition regarding the restriction of access for vaccinated people to Australia who do not have health insurance (EN4799)

From the Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs to a petition regarding the Turkish Family Scheme visa (EN4824)

From the Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs to a petition regarding the work hours of student visa holders (EN4842)

From the Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs to a petition regarding a permanent residency pathway for family members on long-term bridging visas (EN4857)

From the Minister for Climate Change and Energy to a petition regarding new policies to expand battery infrastructure for households (EN4917)

From the Minister for Defence to a petition regarding protected identity for veterans and their families (EN4991)

From the Minister for Climate Change and Energy to a petition regarding the use of low emission coal power and gas to meet energy demands (EN4992)

From the Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs to a petition regarding processing times for Business Innovation and Investment visas (EN4999)

From the Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs to a petition regarding visa pathways for parents of Australian citizens and permanent residents (EN5001)

From the Minister for Climate Change and Energy to a petition requesting that the proposal for a windfarm off the coast of Newcastle and Port Stephens be scrapped (EN5004)

From the Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs to a petition regarding issues experienced by users attempting to access the ImmiAccount system (EN5034)

From the Minister for Defence to a petition requesting a ban on the purchase of nuclear-powered vessels including submarines (EN5066)

From the Treasurer to a petition regarding a proposed inquiry into cost of living and inflationary pressures (EN5068)

From the Minister for Defence to a petition regarding defence posture in Northern Australia (EN5088)

From the Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs to a petition regarding a deportation decision made under section 198 of the Migration Act 1958 (EN5096)

From the Minister for Defence to a petition regarding Australia's acquisition of conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines (EN5099)

From the Attorney-General to a petition regarding the removal of the radio broadcast royalty caps (EN5134)

From the Minister for Communications to a petition requesting a ban on online access to adult content for individuals under the age of 18 (EN5139)

From the Assistant Treasurer to a petition regarding the responsibility of the banking sector to address scams (EN5156)

From the Minister for Indigenous Australians to a petition requesting an inquiry into First Nations funding and the associated results of this spending (EN5182)

From the Treasurer to a petition requesting a referendum to unify Australia and New Zealand under one currency treaty (EN5222)

From the Minister for Climate Change and Energy to a petition regarding the charging of electric vehicles (EN5227)

From the Attorney-General to a petition regarding misuse of designated disability parking bays (EN5243)

From the Attorney-General to a petition requesting that trauma-informed police training and exams be mandated in recruitment processes (EN5250)

From the Attorney-General to a petition requesting the designation of the Russian Imperial Movement as a terrorist organisation (EN5260)

From the Assistant Treasurer to a petition requesting the ACCC take action to address issues with online queue systems for popular events (EN5262)

From the Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs to a petition regarding student work hours, workforce shortages, financial constraints and employee exploitation (EN5263)

From the Assistant Treasurer to a petition regarding the rights of citizens to repair their own goods without hinderance from companies (EN5278)

From the Minister for Defence to a petition regarding military assistance to Ukraine (EN5279)

From the Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs to a petition regarding permanent residence pathways for Temporary Graduate visa holders (EN5284)

From the Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs to a petition regarding delayed processing times for the offshore partner visa SC309 (EN5288)

From the Minister for Health and Aged Care to a petition requesting an increase in the number of physiotherapy sessions available to people with chronic conditions through Medicare (EN5302)

From the Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations to a petition regarding the rate of pay and working conditions for Disability Employment Services' consultants (EN5304)

From the Minister for Housing to a petition regarding government collaboration on regulation of short-term rentals (EN5307)

From the Attorney-General to a petition requesting a referendum to enshrine freedom of speech in the Constitution (EN5318)

From the Minister for Defence to a petition regarding military assistance to Ukraine (EN5319)

From the Minister for Indigenous Australians to a petition regarding a detailed financial analysis of taxpayer-funded Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander programs (EN5324)

From the Attorney-General to a petition requesting the extension of the Defence Reparation Scheme (EN5328)

From the Assistant Treasurer to a petition regarding access to financial services (EN5329)

From the Attorney-General to a petition regarding the 14 October 2023 Referendum on an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice (EN5331)

From the Minister for Climate Change and Energy to a petition requesting that the proposal of a wind farm off the coast of Newcastle and Port Stephens be halted (EN5332)

From the Minister for Climate Change and Energy to a petition requesting the cessation of further progress on the proposed Port Stephens offshore wind zone (EN5334)

From the Minister for Foreign Affairs to petitions regarding human rights in India (EN5372, EN5392)

From the Minister for Health and Aged Care to a petition regarding Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) access to antiviral treatments for long COVID-19 (EN5373)

From the Minister for Skills and Training to a petition regarding the timeliness of VETASSESS' skills assessment services (EN5377)

From the Minister for Health and Aged Care to a petition regarding the subsidy of i-Port injection devices (EN5378)

From the Minister for Veterans' Affairs to a petition regarding a possible unfair decision under the Veterans' Entitlement Act (EN5380)

From the Minister for Health and Aged Care to a petition regarding a change to food regulations to fortify foods with folate instead of folic acid (EN5381)

From the Attorney-General to a petition requesting the incorporation of a Bill of Rights into the Constitution (EN5383)

From the Attorney-General to a petition regarding the independent inquiry into Australia's response to the COVID-19 pandemic (EN5385)

From the Minister for Climate Change and Energy to a petition regarding proposals to establish an offshore wind zone off the coast of Port MacDonnell, South Australia (EN5394)

From the Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs to a petition regarding the creation of Pacific Island cultural hubs (EN5395)

From the Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations to a petition regarding the provision of menstrual leave (EN5396)

From the Minister for Foreign Affairs to a petition requesting the closure of the Russian Consulate-General in Sydney (EN5399)

From the Minister for Climate Change and Energy to a petition requesting the cancellation of the proposed Illawarra offshore wind farm (EN5402)

From the Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations to a petition regarding the Australian and New Zealand Standard Industrial Classification (ANZIC) categories for workers' compensation schemes (EN5403)

From the Speaker to a petition regarding lobbyists' access to Parliament House (EN5411)

From the Attorney-General to a petition requesting constitutional protections for the right to freedom of speech (EN5429)

From the Minister for Communications to a petition requesting a ban on explicit content (EN5435)

From the Minister for Housing to a petition requesting a Royal Commission into the housing and rental crisis (EN5440)

From the Minister for Climate Change and Energy to a petition regarding offshore wind turbine developments in the Illawarra and Greater Newcastle regions (EN5442)

From the Minister for Climate Change and Energy to a petition regarding plans to approve wind turbines being developed off the Illawarra coast (EN5444)

From the Attorney-General to a petition requesting the legalisation of the death penalty for persons convicted of child sexual abuse (EN5445)

From the Minister for Early Childhood Education to a petition regarding discrimination in early childhood education and care against children with disabilities and complex medical needs (EN5446)

From the Assistant Minister for Social Services to a petition requesting an increase to the Assistance for Isolated Children (AIC) Scheme's Basic Boarding Allowance (EN5455)

From the Assistant Minister for Social Services to a petition requesting that the Paid Parental Leave scheme be amended from 20 weeks to one year (EN5473)

From the Minister for Foreign Affairs to a petition regarding Mr Julian Assange and targeted sanctions on the UK and the US (EN5493)

From the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry to a petition requesting an investigation into the live export trade (EN5496)

From the Minister for Health and Aged Care to a petition requesting an increase to the Medicare Benefits rebate to allow GPs to bulk bill for every patient (EN5528)

From the Minister for Climate Change and Energy to a petition requesting the separation of nuclear fusion and nuclear fission in legislation (EN5544)

From the Minister the National Disability Insurance Scheme to a petition requesting the consideration of an additional budget component for First Nations participants of the NDIS (EN5549)

From the Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs to a petition regarding the Temporary Protection visa and the Safe Haven Enterprise visa (PN0554)

From the Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs to a petition regarding refugee and asylum seeker policies (PN0563)

From the Minister for Health and Aged Care to a petition requesting the re- examination of the changes to the access arrangements for opioid dependence treatment (PN0571)

Ministerial responses received by the Committee on 7 February 2024

From the Treasurer to a petition regarding the listed price for the selling of goods or services (EN4838)

From the Treasurer to a petition regarding a ban on financial sector directors and executives in certain circumstances (EN4951)

From the Treasurer to a petition requesting a 'Mercy Amendment' to the

Corporations Act 2001 (EN5140)

From the Minister for the Environment and Water requesting the establishment of a National Wildlife Patrol Service to prevent the illegal shooting of wildlife (EN5408)

From the Attorney-General to a petition regarding the 14 October 2023 referendum (EN5419)

From the Attorney-General to a petition regarding the contribution of settlers to the development of Australia (EN5427)

From the Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government to a petition requesting additional flights from reputable airlines under Australia's bilateral air services arrangements (EN5453)

From the Minister for Health and Aged Care to a petition requesting to list Visanne (dienogest) on the PBS for endometriosis (EN5454)

From the Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government to a petition requesting the Australian Government implement a passenger compensation scheme in the aviation sector (EN5456)

From the Minister for Health and Aged Care to a petition requesting the introduction of a minimum legal age for purchasing caffeinated energy drinks (EN5461)

From the Minister for Foreign Affairs to a petition regarding Japan's release of Advanced Liquid Processing System-treated water from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station (EN5462, EN5463)

From the Minister for Health and Aged Care to a petition regarding an increase to the number of Medicare-subsidised mental health sessions (EN5465)

From the Minister for Climate Change and Energy requesting an inquiry into geoengineering (EN5472)

From the Assistant Minister for Social Services to a petition regarding relationship status considerations in social security payments (EN5477)

From the Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government regarding subsidised air travel, service enhancements and expanded accessibility (EN5483)

From the Assistant Minister for the Prevention of Family Violence to a petition regarding family, domestic and sexual violence in the Northern Territory (EN5490)

From the Minister for Foreign Affairs to a petition regarding allegations of foreign interference and threats to the Sikh community in Australia (EN5499)

From the Minister for Health and Aged Care to a petition regarding amendments to the International Health Regulations by the World Health Assembly (EN5509, EN5517)

From the Minister for Health and Aged Care to a petition regarding the approval of tumour treating fields for use in Australia (EN5518)

From the Minister for Health and Aged Care to a petition requesting the release of weekly COVID-19 death numbers (EN5529)

From the Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government to a petition requesting additional capacity under Australia's bilateral air services arrangements with Qatar (EN5537)

From the Minister for Indigenous Australians to a petition regarding facilities for remote Aboriginal communities (EN5555)

From the Speaker to a petition regarding the prayers read at the commencement of sittings of the House of Representatives (EN5562)

Ms Susan Templeman MP

Chair—Petitions Committee